At 80, Femi Osofisan Laments Nigeria’s Stalled Progress as UNILAG Students Honour Literary Icon

Renowned playwright, theatre scholar and literary icon, Professor Femi Osofisan, has expressed concern over Nigeria’s slow pace of development, saying the country continues to struggle with many of the same challenges that inspired his writings decades ago.

Osofisan spoke after students of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) staged a performance of his acclaimed play, Who Is Afraid of Solarin?, at Terra Kulture, Victoria Island, Lagos, to celebrate his 80th birthday and honour his enduring contributions to Nigerian literature and theatre.

Reflecting on the continued relevance of the play, which was written during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, the celebrated dramatist said the issues it addressed remain unresolved.

“We take two steps forward and four steps backward,” Osofisan said, describing Nigeria’s development journey as one marked by repeated setbacks despite periods of progress.

He urged Nigerians to reflect on the country’s trajectory and recommit themselves to building a nation founded on accountability, justice and sustainable development.

The event drew theatre enthusiasts, academics, students and admirers who paid tribute to Osofisan’s remarkable career and his influence on generations of writers, actors and scholars.

Widely regarded as one of Africa’s foremost playwrights, Osofisan has authored numerous plays, poems and critical essays that interrogate social injustice, governance, inequality and the quest for national transformation.

The performance of Who Is Afraid of Solarin? served not only as a celebration of his 80th birthday but also as a reminder of the enduring relevance of literature as a tool for social reflection and change.